Radon
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occuring radioactive gas. It is formed from uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. Radon enters houses from the ground underneath. Radon levels indoors depend on the concentration of radon in the ground, the details of the house construction, and the way the house is heated and ventilated. Levels can vary widely between apparently identical houses and the only way to find out whether there is a high level in a particular house is to measure it.
Long term exposure to high levels of the gas has been found to cause lung cancer. The risk is greater for those people who smoke and where radon levels are high. It is the second major cause of lung cancer, second only to smoking. According to the Health Protection Agency, deaths from smoking are 35,000/yr, from radon 2,000/yr.
Radon affected areas in East Hampshire
Radon affected areas are parts of the country where 1% or more of properties are estimated to be above the UK radon action level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre of air. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) declares radon affected areas and publishes maps of them on behalf of the Government.
Within the East Hampshire area the HPA estimates approximately 6500 properties fall within the radon affected area, of these between 80 and 200 properties may be at or above the action level.
How do I get radon levels measured?
The HPA advises that householders in radon affected areas should have their houses tested for radon.
Radon levels in homes are usually measured using two small plastic detectors which are sent by post. They are left in place for three months and then returned for processing. The detectors are simple and robust plastic devices that contain a radiation sensitive element.
Radon levels vary from day to day, therefore spot measurements of radon should not be used to determine whether a house has a radon problem. However, if time is pressing, short-term measurements over a few days or weeks may be made instead of three-month measurements.
A list of laboratories validated for making three-month radon measurements in homes can be found by clicking
here .
The
Radon Council has information about firms which make both long and short term measurements.
How much do remedial measures cost?
In most cases, even in radon affected areas, the result of the test will be below the action level. However, if remedial work is found to be necessary there are proven radon reduction measures that can substantially reduce indoor radon level.
Radon remedial measures are relatively inexpensive.
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Radon remedies
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Typical costs
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Mechanical ventilation under suspended floor
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£350
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Positive ventilation system
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£500 - £750
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Fan-assisted radon sump
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£500 - £1000
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